Page 39 of The Devil’s Lair

I wrinkle my forehead, surprised at Rebecca agreeing. Shows what I know.

“Of course not. We’ll have fun, won’t we, Isla?” Saskia holds out her hand, and I lift Isla down. She tucks her hand inside Saskia’s and skips from the room with her.

“I didn’t think you’d say yes.”

Rebecca smiles. “It’s never easy to let her out of my sight, but your family is terrific, Tobias. You’re lucky to have them all. Plus, if Isla wasn’t comfortable going off with Saskia, I’d have known.”

She’s right, I am lucky to have my family. I don’t tell them nearly enough, preferring to show my affection through humor, but they know.

“Have you thought anymore about therapy?”

“Yes. For Isla, I mean. I… I’d like to take you up on the offer.”

“For Isla, and yourself?”

“Just her.”

“Rebecca. You need it as much as she does. More so, maybe.”

“I don’t want to owe you.”

I dab my mouth with a napkin and set it on the table. “I understand where you’re coming from. It’s hard to accept help from others, especially financially. But sometimes we have to put our pride to one side and do what’s best for ourselves and not just what’s best for others. Putting Isla first is natural, but this isn’t an either/or situation. And, in case you were wondering, my offer isn’t predicated on whether you accept my marriage proposal. I made the suggestion before Xan broached the idea, and it stands, regardless.”

Her jaw tightens. She studies my face like she’s searching for the catch. “Why are you being nice to me?”

“Don’t you think you deserve kindness?”

She blinks. “Well, yes, but you’re a stranger.”

“And strangers can’t show kindness to one another?”

“Most strangers I’ve ever known would only be kind as a means to an end. A way to get what they want.” Her eyes flicker to mine, then pull away. “And for all I know, you could be the same.”

Her answer shows me just how privileged my life is. Yes, we’ve suffered loss and heartbreak, but we’re a family who band together, who have each other’s backs. Rebecca’s had no one. Until now.

“I see how, from your perspective, I could be the same. But like I’ve said before, I won’t defend myself with words. I’ll let my actions speak for me.” I angle my head to one side. “I want you and Isla to be comfortable at Oakleigh. To treat this place like your home for as long as you’re here.” I’m leading her, hoping she’ll pick up the thread of the conversation and tell me what she’s thinking regarding marriage.

“When I woke and Isla wasn’t in her bed, I panicked. Then I came here and saw her with you, smiling, happy, relaxed. It occurred to me that I’ve never seen my child so comfortable with anyone other than me. Not Marcus, not Felicity or Preston. Not even our babysitter who Isla adored. And then you said the magic word.”

I trawl my memories, coming up empty. “What did I say?”

“Safe. You said she was safe, and she is. She wouldn’t have sat on your lap if she didn’t feel safe.”

“I’m glad.” My gaze lingers on her. Say it. Say you’ll⁠—

“Okay, I’ll marry you,” she blurts.

I slow blink. I misheard that, right? “Say that again.”

“I’ll marry you. To protect Isla and get the La Salles off my back, I’ll do it. And I’ll go to therapy. But there are rules.”

“Anything.” I’m drowning in relief. Until this moment, I hadn’t fully acknowledged just how much I wanted her to say yes. How much I needed her to say yes. It solves a colossal problem I’d have had to face sooner or later, and helps me to keep my club.

“You said you have no interest in anything physical with me. Were you telling the truth?”

“Yes. Like I said, I’ll tell you the truth unless there is a reason I can’t. And when that happens, it won’t be through bloody mindedness or trying to trick you in some way or hide something from you.”

I wonder if she’ll bring up the gay thing again. I didn’t deny it when she raised it yesterday, and I won’t deny it this time, either. Not if the idea of me being gay makes her feel more comfortable.